Ferromanganese

Ferromanganese is an iron-manganese alloy used as a ferroalloy in steelmaking. It is produced by smelting manganese ore with iron and carbon in a blast furnace or electric furnace, then tapping the alloy for further use. The primary purpose is to supply manganese to steel and to act as a deoxidizer and desulfurizer during melting, improving process control and the mechanical properties of the finished steel.

Composition and grades: The alloy consists mainly of iron and manganese, with carbon and silicon as typical impurities that vary by grade. Commercial ferromanganese is produced in several grades defined primarily by carbon content: low-carbon, medium-carbon, and high-carbon ferromanganese. All grades provide manganese; higher carbon grades are cheaper and are used where carbon content in the steel is acceptable.

Applications and effects: In steelmaking, manganese improves hardenability, strength, and toughness, while also aiding deoxidation and desulfurization. It reduces brittleness from sulfur and helps refine austenite grain structure. Ferromanganese thus enables higher manganese contents in steels and alloys used for structural components, pipelines, tools, and automotive steels.

Other notes: Ferromanganese is often produced alongside related ferroalloys such as silicomanganese, which adds silicon and manganese. The choice among ferromanganese grades depends on steel grade requirements, furnace economics, and impurity limits.